Big men match-ups to prove pivotal in AFL grand final
Fremantle's "Unicorn'' Jackson can turn a game in a flash, give his midfielders first use, and is like an extra small when the ball hits the ground. Jackson is also a danger going forward. It means Lions recruit Draper, an enigmatic player in his own right, will need to be at his best around the ground.
Pearce is the Dockers' defensive rock and the heartbeat of their stingy backline. Morris is the young, dynamic key forward who is only going from strength to strength. Limiting his output is crucial to closing out the Lions. Pearce could also spend time on Eric Hipwood.
Cameron is the Lions' firestarter who can kick goals from anywhere and turn a game on a dime. Shutting down the small forward and limiting how often the "Take Me Home, Country Roads'' goal song blares out is crucial to quelling Brisbane. As a youngster at Melbourne, McVee earned a Rising Star nomination for a lockdown role on Cameron, and looms as the man to tackle the star Lion.
Voss kicked four goals the last time these teams played. The antagonistic "Prancing Pony'' could have the job of trying to play a defensive forward role to limit Andrews' intercept game and ability to get across to help his teammates. Andrews could also end up on strong-marking Dockers spearhead Josh Treacy throughout the day.
In a thrilling clash of two star-studded midfields, the headline act is two-time Norm Smith Medal winner Ashcroft, while Serong remains Fremantle's most influential midfielder. Serong could also attract the attention of Lions co-captain Josh Dunkley, who often plays a tagging role.
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